Universal Bathroom Holder

ABSTRACT

A system to hold a hair dryer or other item adjustably in position to allow a user to realize hands-free use of the item. The system is designed to make hair drying and/or the hands-free use of any other items in, for example, a bathroom setting, easier and more efficient. The item holder of the present invention is formed of an approximately vertically mounted bar, with a slider slideably connected to the bar. The slider can be loosened, moved, and tightened into positon. An item can then be connected to the slider, and held in place in a position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to supporting devices. Moreparticularly the present invention relates to a device to hold ahairdryer, mirror and other items in place as supported by a wall. Theseitems may be adjustably positioned in a vertical and horizontalposition, and may be pivoted as needed.

Description of Related Art

After showering or bathing, it is often desirable to quickly dry one'shair using a hairdryer. Hairdryers have been long used to direct air,often heated air, at a user's hair in order to quickly dry it. However,in many instances it can become cumbersome to dry one's hair, and at thesame time hold it and style it using, for example, a brush. Each ofthese three activities (drying, holding, and styling) each require onehand, and a person is therefore limited to two of the three at a timewithout a helper. Moreover, given the rise of smartphones and tablets,it is often convenient to be able to use these devices while also dryingones hair.

Also, with the rise of more efficient and compact living arrangements,there is an increasing need for efficient storage solutions to make themost effective use of small spaces, especially bathrooms.

Therefore, what is needed is a hands-free hair dryer device which may beused for storage of other bathroom items instead of or in addition toholding the hair dryer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of this application may involve, in some cases,interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem,and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or article.

In one aspect, an item holder is provided. The item holder is formed ofan elongate bar, with a slider slideably connected to the bar andmovable, when in an unlocked mode, along a length of the bar. The slidercan be locked or otherwise held in position when in a locked mode. Theslider defines an aperture, and at least partially surrounds the bar ata distal end. The slider further has fingers defining a connectoraperture at a proximal end. A holder is configured to receive an itemconnected thereto. The holder is connected to the slider by a peg fittedinto the connector aperture, and is pivotable with respect to theslider.

In another aspect, an item holder assembly is provided. The item holderassembly is formed of an elongate bar which has two arms positionedalong its length. These arms extend away from the bar and are connectedto a wall. The item holder further has a slider slideably connected tothe bar and movable, when in an unlocked mode, along a length of thebar. The slider can be locked or otherwise held in position when in alocked mode. The slider has an aperture at least partially surroundingthe bar at a distal end, and fingers defining a connector aperture at aproximal end. A holder is configured to receive an item connectedthereto, the holder is connected to the slider by a peg fitted into theconnector aperture, and is pivotable with respect to the slider.

In yet another aspect, a hair dryer holder assembly is provided. Thehair dryer holder assembly is formed of an elongate bar which has twoarms positioned along its length. These arms extend away from the barand are connected to a wall. The item holder further has a sliderslideably connected to the bar and movable, when in an unlocked mode,along a length of the bar. The slider can be locked or otherwise held inposition when in a locked mode. The slider has an aperture at leastpartially surrounding the bar at a distal end, and fingers defining aconnector aperture at a proximal end. A hairdryer holder formed as abody having a peg at a distal end, with fingers at a proximal enddefining a hairdryer opening. These fingers are spaced apart at thedistal end allowing passage of an electrical cord of the hairdryer. Thehair dryer holder is connected to the slider by the peg fitted into theconnector aperture, the holder pivotable with respect to the slider. Ahair dryer is removably positioned in the hairdryer opening, and held inplace there.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 provides a detail view of connector parts of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 provides a view of an embodiment of a towel or cloth holder ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 provides a view of an embodiment of a towel or cloth holder ofthe present invention.

FIG. 5 provides a view of an embodiment of a towel or cloth holder ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6 provides a view of an embodiment of a mirror holder of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 provides a view of another embodiment of the invention formed asa bathrobe holder, which may also be used as a towel or other clothingor cloth holder.

FIG. 8 provides a view of another embodiment of the invention formed asa bathrobe holder, which may also be used as a towel or other clothingor cloth holder.

FIG. 9 provides a view of a computerized smartphone or tablet being heldby an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 provides a view of a computerized smartphone or tablet beingheld by an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 provides a view of another embodiment of a computerizedsmartphone or tablet holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodimentsof the invention and does not represent the only forms in which thepresent invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The descriptionsets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing andoperating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.

The present invention is a structure for holding a hair dryer or otheritem adjustably in position to allow a user to achieve hands-free use ofthe item. The item support is designed to make hair drying, and the useof any other items in a bathroom setting easier and more efficient. Forexample, in a hair dryer holder embodiment, there is a problem of whenholding the hairdryer with one hand and a hairbrush with the other, oneneeds a third hand to manipulate their hair. The item holder of thepresent invention is formed of an approximately vertically mounted bar,with a slider slideably connected to the bar. The slider can beloosened, moved, and tightened into positon. An item can then beconnected to the slider, and held in place in a vertical position. Forexample, in a hair dryer embodiment, the hair dryer may be mounted tothe holder, adjusted to an appropriate height, and then directed at ahead or hair of a user. The slider, also referred to as a tool, has abase that has an opening which is the exact or slightly larger diameterand shape of the bar. The slider is also connectable, directly orindirectly, to the hair dryer to hold it in place.

In one embodiment, an adapter tool such as a peg or other protrusion orshape may be removably connected into a receiver structure on the slidershaped to accept the adapter tool. For example, the receiver may be anaperture, slot, or other recession or opening to receive the adaptertool. In another embodiment, a top end of the adapter tool flares out toallow a handle of most typical handheld hairdryers to fit therein. In afurther embodiment, there is a slot in the top end of a hairdryer holderto allow the cord through. Once the hairdryer is held firmly in theadapter tool, it can be adjusted up, down, side to side and angled whiledrying and styling the hair with both hands free by adjusting the sliderthat the adapter tool is connected to. The components of the item holderof the present invention may be manufactured in a variety of metalfinishes to coordinate with bath decor.

One exemplary embodiment of the item holder of the present invention isshown in FIG. 1. Here, a vertical bar 10 is attached to wall 1. A slider13 is slideably connected to the bar 10 and securable in place. In thisview, slider 13 encompasses the bar 10. Though, in other embodiments,the slider may be removably connected to the bar. A holder 21 isconfigured to connect the hair dryer 11 to the slider 13. The holder hasa connector formed as a peg 22 which has a diameter or shape sized tofit within the slider, or otherwise to connect to the slider 13. Oncethe hair dryer 11 is connected, such as by a hair dryer handle 12 beingseated in the holder 21, the slider 13 can be locked in place, and thehair dryer 11 may be used to direct an air flow in a continuousdirection.

FIG. 2 provides a detail view of an embodiment of the slider 13 whichhas a connector to receive the holder 21 via connector 22, shown here asa peg which can be received in an opening defined by the slider 13. Itshould be understood that the slider 13 may receive an item holder inany number of ways without straying from the scope of this invention.Similarly, other holder configurations may operate in a similar ordifferent manner, to hold other items, and are still within the scope ofthis invention. However, the peg embodiment allows for secure, pivoting,and removable connection while being easy to manufacture and use.

FIGS. 3-5 provide a view of an embodiment of the present inventionformed as a towel or cloth holder (hereinafter “towel holder”). Thetowel holder 31 has a curved lengthwise shape which allows a towel 53 tobe draped over a long portion and/or slid into position horizontally,while a hook portion at a distal end prevents unintentional sliding offof the towel 53. In some embodiments, the corners of the towel holder 31have right angles at top to side transitions, which may preventunintentional sliding off of the towel 53. Connector formed as a peg 32of the holder 31 connects to the slider (not shown in this figure) inthe same manner as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As noted above, slider can bemoved up and down the vertical bar to adjust its height, which is thecase in all of the embodiments shown in the figures (though is notnecessarily required).

FIG. 6 provides a view of an embodiment of the present invention beingformed as a mirror holder. The mirror 63 is connectable to slider 13which is slideable vertically along bar 10. A series of pivotable armsjoins the mirror 63 to mirror connector 61, which has a peg 62 sized tofit within the slider 13 slot forming a mirror assembly.

FIGS. 7 and 8 provide a view of another embodiment of the presentinvention formed as a bathrobe holder, which may also be used as a towelor other clothing or cloth holder. In this view, a connector peg 72 issized to fit within slider 13 slot. A hook 71 extends from a distal endof a bar opposite to the connector peg 72. A cloth such as a towel orthe like may be draped over the hook 71, holding it in place.

FIGS. 9 and 10 provide a view of a computerized smartphone or tabletholder being held by an embodiment of the present invention. Indeed anydisplay screen may be held by this embodiment. A screen holder 93 iscapable of holding the tablet 101 (or the like) and can clamp downwardon opposing edges, holding it in place (though any mechanism of holdingthe tablet is contemplated). A series of arms joins the screen holder 93to a connector 91 forming an assembly, which has a peg 92 engagable withthe slider 13 slot.

FIG. 11 provides a view of a holder for a computerized smartphone ortablet to be held by an embodiment of the present invention. Here, peg112 is engagable with the slider 13 slot. From the base 111 opposite tothe peg 112 is an angled support face 113 on which a rear of thesmartphone (or the like) rests. A ledge 115 extends from a bottom of thesupport face to provide a support surface on which the smartphone mayrest against the force of gravity. A magnet 114 provides additionalconnective support by magnetically drawing the smartphone towards thesupport face 113.

In still another embodiment, not shown in the figures, a fan may beconnected to the slider 13. This fan may be connected to the slider inany manner discussed herein, and may allow a user to direct an air flowat various directions and levels once connected. As understood from theforegoing, the item connectable to the vertical bar via the slider maybe any varied number of items, without straying from the scope of thepresent invention. Connection of the slider to the bar to bring theslider between the unlocked and locked modes may be achieved by variousstructures, including clamps, snaps, engaging parts, thumb/wing screwsacting as set screws, magnets, and the like.

In various embodiments, a plurality of sliders may be attached to thebar. Each slider may be operable to hold one of a plurality of differentitems. For example, there may be a slider holding a hair dryer holder,and on the same bar, there may be a slider holding a towel holder,and/or another slider holding a mirror holder. As such, the differentembodiments of this invention may be used together on a single bar toserve a number of functions on a single bar installation.

While several variations of the present invention have been illustratedby way of example in preferred or particular embodiments, it is apparentthat further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scopeof the present invention, or the inventive concept thereof. However, itis to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptationsare within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and areinclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as setforth.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hair dryer holder comprising: an elongate bar;a slider slideably connected to the bar, the slider having an apertureat least partially surrounding the bar at a distal end of the slider,and a connector aperture at a proximal end of the slider; a holderhaving a body, the holder connected to the slider by a peg at a distalend of the body fitted into the connector aperture; wherein the holdercomprises fingers at a proximal end of the body, and the fingers definea hair dryer opening.
 2. The hair dryer holder of claim 1 wherein theslider further comprises fingers defining the connector aperture at theproximal end of the slider.
 3. The hair dryer holder of claim 1 whereinthe peg at the distal end of the body of the holder is perpendicular tothe hair dryer opening.
 4. The hair dryer holder of claim 1 wherein theholder is pivotable along a plane perpendicular to the elongate bar. 5.The hair dryer holder of claim 1 wherein the holder further comprises ashoulder adjacent to the peg.
 6. The hair dryer holder of claim 5wherein the shoulder comprises a cross sectional area greater than botha diameter of the peg and a cross sectional area of the connectoraperture so that the shoulder cannot fit into or pass through theconnector aperture.
 7. The hair dryer holder of claim 5 wherein theshoulder is directly connected to a portion of the body of the holderwhich defines the hair dryer opening.
 8. The hair dryer holder of claim1 further comprising a hair dryer removably connected to the hair dryerholder.
 9. The hair dryer holder of claim 8 wherein the fingers at theproximal end of the body of the holder are spaced apart to allow passageof an electrical cord of the hair dryer.
 10. The hair dryer holder ofclaim 8 wherein the hair dryer is removably connected to the hair dryeropening by being seated in the hair dryer holder with a part of the hairdryer passing through the hair dryer opening and another part of thehair dryer resting on the fingers.
 11. The hair dryer holder of claim 1further comprising two arms, wherein the hair dryer holder is connectedto a wall by the two arms.
 12. The hair dryer holder of claim 1 whereinthe holder is connected to the bar by one of a clamp and a screw urgedagainst the bar to provide a friction between the screw and the bar. 13.A towel holder comprising: an elongate bar; a slider slideably connectedto the bar, the slider having an aperture at least partially surroundingthe bar at a distal end of the slider, and a connector aperture at aproximal end of the slider; a holder having an elongate body and a pegat a distal end of the body, the holder connected to the slider by thepeg at the distal end of the body being fitted into the connectoraperture; wherein the body of the holder is formed in a series of bendsin a length, the series of bends in the length of the body defining a Jshape.
 14. The towel holder of claim 13 wherein the slider furthercomprises fingers defining the connector aperture at the proximal end ofthe slider.
 15. The towel holder of claim 13 wherein the holder ispivotable along a plane perpendicular to the elongate bar.
 16. The towelholder of claim 13 wherein the holder further comprises a shoulderadjacent to the peg.
 17. A mirror holder comprising: an elongate bar; aslider slideably connected to the bar, the slider having an aperture atleast partially surrounding the bar at a distal end of the slider, and aconnector aperture at a proximal end of the slider; a holder comprisinga body and a peg at a distal end of the body, the body comprising amirror assembly having an elongate arm and the peg at a distal end ofthe elongate arm; wherein the holder is connected to the slider by thepeg at the distal end of the elongate arm fitted into the connectoraperture.
 18. The mirror holder of claim 17 wherein the mirror assemblyfurther comprises a mirror at a proximal end of the elongate arm. 19.The mirror holder of claim 17 wherein the slider further comprisesfingers defining the connector aperture at the proximal end of theslider.
 20. The mirror holder of claim 17 wherein the holder furthercomprises a shoulder adjacent to the peg, wherein the shoulder isdirectly connected to the peg.